Cops face blank wall in woman's slay

CEBU, Philippines - The police admitted that they will be having a hard time identifying the person who shot dead a 58-year-old woman in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City last Thursday afternoon.

Police Officer 2 Michael Codaste said there is no witness willing to testify to the murder of Cleofe Abadiano Bonachita.

Codaste said the primary motive they are looking into the killing of Bonachita was the alleged conflict that arose from the impending ejectment of informal settlers from her lot.

The 14-year-old son of the victim was the first to see her dead body.

The boy reported to the police that he just arrived home from school past 5 p.m. and was about to open the gate of their house when he noticed that it was locked.

This prompted him to peep through the gate and to his horror, saw his mother lying on her back near the gate.

He then opened the gate and asked assistance from his neighbors. They got the victim on a taxi and proceeded to the Cebu City Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the face and left side of her abdomen.

Zynette Abad, neighbor of the victim, alleged to the police that about 3:15 p.m., she heard two loud bursts which she thought were exploding firecrackers.

The cadaver was taken to Saint Peter Funeral Homes for autopsy. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)